Kenya is made up of over 30 different tribes, each with their own language, but everyone also learns Swahili and English. I work in rural communities, like the farming village of Sasenyi, which is mostly Duruma people. Some people do not speak English and do not have an education. Most people do not have running water or electricity. Although they do not have the same opportunities as you may have in the U.S., people in these communities live complex, dynamic lives. They are subsistence farmers, which means they eat and/or sell everything they grow to make a living. They live right next to a wildlife sanctuary and often get unwanted animal visitors.
Many farmers in Sasenyi struggle to harvest a good crop. The area is plagued with drought and poor soil quality. Thus, they have trouble growing enough food to feed their families and selling enough food to earn money to pay school fees and other expenses.
Southeastern Kenya is very close to the equator, which is especially hard hit by climate change. The droughts are lasting longer and the rains are unpredictable. In addition, wildlife, such as elephants, come and raid their crops, leaving little chance for regular harvests each season.
